Oregon State University–Cascades’ preliminary fall enrollment report shows continued and steady overall growth, and a marked increase in enrollment in high-demand fields.
The campus is serving a total of 1,384 students, including a 2% increase in undergraduate students and 221 new freshmen. The latter is a 3% increase over last fall.
“These early numbers reflect the strength of our academic programs in preparing students to meet local and global challenges, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the growing recognition of OSU-Cascades as a destination for students seeking a personalized and innovative university experience,” said Sherm Bloomer, chancellor and dean of OSU-Cascades.
The strongest enrollment increases were seen in recently launched undergraduate degree programs designed to help meet regional and state workforce needs. OSU-Cascades’ engineering programs grew by 19%, driven by a mechanical engineering program launched in 2024, which enrolled 37 new students this fall.
Similarly, enrollment in the biochemistry and molecular biology program, designed to support the region’s growing biotech sector, grew by 50%.
Now in its fourth year, the environmental sciences program grew by 40%. It was developed to connect students with career opportunities in public agencies and private industry across the Pacific Northwest.
The cohort of new freshmen reflects a 15% increase in students from Central Oregon over last fall. The average high school GPA for first-year students was 3.54.
Of the 132 new transfer students, 45% transitioned from Central Oregon Community College through the institutions’ long-standing Degree Partnership Program.
The total student body also reflects strong ties to the region and state, and other qualities:
- 79% of students are from Oregon, and 44% are from Central Oregon.
- In addition to Oregon, students represent 35 U.S. states, including Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Missouri and Texas.
- 25% are the first in their families to attend college.
- 39% of undergraduate students demonstrate high financial need.
- Five percent of students are completing all of their coursework online through OSU’s award-winning Ecampus, supported by OSU-Cascades academic advisors.
- Of the total 469 transfer students, 53% participated in the DPP program through COCC.
- 236 students are pursuing master’s degrees or a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
- The youngest degree-seeking student is 17 and the oldest is 62.
OSU-Cascades’ official enrollment will be finalized during the fourth week of fall term.
Oregon State University’s enrollment announcement is posted here.